Exclusive: Cove Rangers agree to pay former sponsor £105,000 to settle court action.

The club’s chairman, Keith Moorhouse, stated, “Despite these challenges, we continue to operate responsibly and with a focus on long-term sustainability.

” The Press and Journal can reveal that Cove Rangers have agreed to pay £105,000 to one of its former key sponsors after being hauled to court to reclaim the money.

Terry Cobban of ACE Group filed a civil action against the club, and the case was heard in Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday. During the court, Mr Cobban’s lawyer suggested that the club was on the verge of being insolvent, a fact that Cove chairman Keith Moorhouse strongly refuted.

Within hours of the judicial procedures, which were not attended by Cove executives or their lawyers, discussions were undertaken with Mr Cobban’s representatives.

Mr Moorhouse stated that he has now offered to pay Mr Cobban the full amount to settle the court dispute.

Second legal action

It is the club’s second legal action, following a creditor’s appearance in the same court last week to retrieve approximately £35,000 that he says the club owed him.

In contrast, the club contests the legality of the claim, made by businessman Ged Gaffney, and intends to defend it.

However, Mr Gaffney answered by reinforcing his belief in the validity of his assertion.

The news that Cove has moved to resolve the problem with Mr Cobban means that the club can now focus on matters on the pitch, with the new season beginning on July 15 when Cove hosts Spartans in the League Cup.

They’ll prepare for it with a home friendly against Aberdeen on July 12. Mr Moorhouse also teased a “exciting new initiative” that will be launched in the coming weeks.

‘Integrity and professionalism’

Following yesterday’s court hearing, the club decided to clarify the situation by issuing a statement to the Press & Journal.

Mr Moorhouse stated, “We are aware of recent legal proceedings involving a former principal sponsor.” “We are sad that these contractual concerns could not be handled quietly and peacefully, but we remain committed to handling them with integrity and expertise.

“To conclude the legal case, Mr Cobban received a settlement offer today.

Disputed claim

“We are also aware of an allegation by a previous sponsor (Mr. Gaffney). “While we won’t comment on individual circumstances, it appears that family-related disappointment has played a part in this situation,” said Mr Moorhouse of Mr Gaffney, whose son Myles Gaffney played for Cove until May of this year.

Mr Moorhouse went on to say, “Unfortunately, we believe the matter has been taken out of context.” “We will defend the claim in the appropriate manner and hope it can be resolved soon, allowing all parties to move forward.” Mr Gaffney did not want to comment.

Chairman: ‘We continue to operate responsibly’

Mr Cobban’s lawyer, Robert McDiarmid, spoke with Sheriff Andrew Miller during yesterday’s court hearing. According to the statement, the club faced insolvency. Mr. McDairmid advised the jury:

“There is a real and substantially risk [that the claim] could be defeated by insolvency or the removal of assets.” Mr Moorhouse addressed this in his statement today, saying: “We want to be clear; Cove Rangers FC is not insolvent.

“We will soon be sharing details of an exciting new initiative, something we believe is a first in Scottish football, that will help set Cove Rangers on a stronger path for the future, both on and off the pitch.” A spokeswoman for Mr Cobban, a previous club sponsor, stated, “My client does not wish to provide any comment at this time.”

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